This is a great sauce recipe that I like to use for salads, and it also pairs beautifully with BBQ pork chops or grilled meats. It’s simple to make, naturally sweetened with dates, and you can easily store it in the fridge for a busy week. The balance of tangy red wine vinegar, smooth Dijon mustard, and the subtle sweetness of dates makes it a versatile staple in the kitchen.
Sweet & Tangy Date Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing
Full Recipe in Details
This isn’t your average bottled dressing — it’s a punchy, sweet-meets-tangy vinaigrette that means business. Soft dates bring natural caramel-like sweetness, Dijon cuts in with a bold bite, and red wine vinegar keeps it sharp and lively. Toss it over a salad when you want flavor that actually excites you, or slap it on the table next to BBQ pork chops and watch it steal the show. Simple, bold, and unapologetically delicious — exactly how a sauce should be.
STARTING GUIDE
- Cuisine: N/A
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cooking Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbs: N/A
- Protein: N/A
INGREDIENTS
- 3 Medjool dates, pitted
- Optional: 1 extra date for added sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup good olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried organic oregano
- 1 medium garlic clove, peeled
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
GUIDE / INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1 Soften the Dates
- Place the pitted dates in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes until softened. Drain before using.
Step 2 Prepare Ingredients
- Peel the garlic clove and measure out the vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3 Blend
- Add the softened dates, Dijon mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste, and if you’d like more sweetness, add one additional date and blend again.
Store
- Pour into a jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
NOTES
Medjool dates work best because they’re naturally soft and rich. If using smaller dates, toss in an extra one for balance. Sweetness control, start with 3 dates, then taste. If you like it sweeter (especially for BBQ pairing), add the 4th. Use the best olive oil you’ve got. This recipe is simple, so the flavor of the oil really shows.
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